While I was sad to see the azalea bushes go last weekend, I look forward to seeing everything bloom and grow in my new garden!

I made this recipe tonight for dinner and would highly recommend it!  Tom rated it a "9."  We had it with a side of broccoli, no carbs!  Click here for the recipe.

These partners in crime keep on the lookout for the offending bird or squirrel!  Rusty & Matty just love having the windows open!

In response to Trent's giveaway #4 on thesimpledollar.com, I chose to comment on the article: What's In Your Wallet? How I Organize the Finances In My Pocket. Unlike Trent, I keep a check card in my wallet for these reasons:

• It keeps my finances organized. Whether a purchase is $1 or $1000, I use my check card and log all my receipts into Microsoft Money. At any point, I can see what I spent my money on and how I'm doing with my budget. You can do the same with cash, but it's very hard to keep track of, and you have loose change all the time. Plus, for me, carrying cash is a temptation.

• It's safer than carrying cash. When you use your check card (Visa only) for signature-based purchases, you're protected by Visa's Zero Liability policy, which states you're not liable for unauthorized purchases should your wallet become lost or stolen. You can't get that protection with cash.
  
  
• Many banks now have rewards programs for using a check card. I enrolled in Visa Extras through my bank and you earn great rewards (gift certificates, household items, movie tickets, etc.) on things you already buy. I recently got a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Since I just bought my carpet with my check card, I know I'm due for another reward soon!

However, I love Trent's ideas for keeping receipts and coupons in your wallet. Too often, I'm at the food store to pick up a couple of things, see something on sale, then remember I have a coupon at home. And I'm always misplacing receipts. They're usually stuffed in the cup holder of my car or in my work bag. And I agree with Trent on keeping minimal identification and one credit card only in your wallet. While it's not a Capital One credit card, I enjoy their commercials and the tagline, which prompted our thoughts about the contents of our wallets!

Here are the pics you have been waiting for...our new carpet has finally arrived!  The color is called cashmere.  Not sure if you can make out the pattern, but it's diamonds.  It feels so much more supportive when we walk on it.  The cats are loving it, too!